Earth's Proximity to the Sun

During the summer season, Earth is actually closest to the sun when it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This may seem counterintuitive to some people who think that Earth is closest to the sun during the summer season, but the tilt of Earth's axis actually causes this phenomenon.

When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted towards the sun. This tilt causes the Northern Hemisphere to receive more direct sunlight, making it warmer and creating the summer season. At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, experiencing winter.

Although Earth is physically closest to the sun in early January (during the Northern Hemisphere's winter), the tilt of Earth's axis causes the Northern Hemisphere to receive more sunlight during its summer season, making it feel warmer despite being farther away from the sun.